Chapter 1

On our wedding day on valentine's day, Arthur Pendelton spent ten million dollars to have my name displayed across every big screen in the city.

I was so moved that I cried and gave up my guaranteed admission to an Ivy League grad school overseas.

That was until today, when the community staff came to check on us.

The staff member looked at me with sympathy. "Mrs. Pendelton, according to the system, the owner of the house where you got married is Chloe Bennett, and she's also your husband's legal wife.

"Your status here is just a temporary resident."

I pushed open the door to Arthur's office and saw him kissing Chloe's ring finger.

He frowned, irritation written all over his face as I demanded answers.

He said, "Chloe grew up without parents, so she's always felt insecure. It's just a piece of paper, a deed and a marriage certificate, that's all. I'm just giving her a name to make her feel better.

"You had the wedding of the century that everyone in the city envied. I gave you all the prestige and honor. What more do you want?"

Chloe leaned into his arms, giggling. "Don't be upset, Stella. I just want the title. At night, doesn't he still come back to you and play the dutiful husband?"

I stared at the wedding ring on my finger, and suddenly it felt glaring, almost unbearable to look at.

I slipped it off and laid it softly on his desk.

Turning away, I texted Dad.

I sent three simple words: [I'm going home.]

*****

"Ms. Kensington, Mrs. Bennett has revoked your long-term access privileges. If you're still living here, you'll need to re-register as a temporary resident," the property manager said, standing awkwardly in front of the security door.

I stared at the words "Fingerprint Not Registered" on the lock screen, my finger frozen in mid-air.

"Temporary resident registration?" I echoed.

"Yes," the manager replied.

The manager pulled up the system page on his tablet and handed it to me.

He said, "The owner of this house is Chloe Bennett.

"If you're not the owner's spouse or immediate family, you can only be registered as a temporary resident."

The harsh light from the tablet stung my eyes.

Owner: Chloe Bennett.

Spouse: Arthur Pendelton.

The digital record spelled it out, leaving no room for doubt.

I withdrew my hand, my voice soft and barely audible.

"I understand. Thank you," I said.

The manager gave me a sympathetic look before disappearing into the elevator.

The hallway was quiet, with only the soft buzz of the motion-sensor lights in the background.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Arthur's number.

It rang for a long time before he finally picked up.

The background was quiet, with only the soft sound of papers shuffling in the distance.

"What's wrong?" Arthur asked.

His voice was low and gentle, carrying that familiar, unruffled composure of his.

"I can't get into the house," I said calmly, staring at the locked security door.

Arthur was silent for a moment on the other end.

"Chloe said she's nervous around strangers and wanted to update the door access. She must've accidentally wiped your fingerprint," Arthur explained.

He let out a sigh, trying to comfort me with his gentle tone.

He said, "Just use the password to get in. It's still my birthday.

"Stella, don't take it to heart. I'll handle it."

I lowered my eyes, staring at my feet.

"Arthur, the property manager said I'm only a temporary resident," I said softly.

Arthur was silent for a couple of seconds on the line.

Then, he chuckled softly, "Stella, wasn't it enough that you stirred things up at the office today?

"I've explained this to you before. Chloe grew up alone, without parents. She just wants a real home to call her own.

"I put her name on the house just to give her some security.

"You had the wedding of the century, the one everyone in the city envied. Everyone knows you're Mrs. Pendelton.

"You live in this house. Who would dare call you a temporary resident?"

He really thought this was fair: love and prestige for me, the title and property for Chloe. In his mind, that was balance.

"And what about the marriage certificate?" I asked.

I gripped my phone so tightly that my knuckles turned white.

I said, "You've always said the civil affairs system was being upgraded, and we'd have to wait a while to get our marriage certificate.

"But according to the system, she's your legal wife."

Arthur's voice grew heavy and serious. "Stella, what's wrong? You've never acted like this before.

"Whose home do I come back to every night? Who did I marry in front of the whole city on valentine's day?

"A piece of paper can't change how I feel about you. You mean more to me than any certificate ever could.

"I'll take care of this, but I just need a little time."

I fell silent.

My stomach clenched with pain.

"Okay," Arthur said, his voice gentle as he tried to comfort me.

"I've got a business dinner tonight, but I'll come home later to be with you.

"Don't overthink it. Let's talk it out tonight, okay?"